Page 42 of Healer's Call

I shrug. “I like what I like.”

“Do you feel good about your outfit for tonight?” she asks as we finish up.

“I do; that’s what I used to wear when I worked before...” my words trail off, and she looks over at me.

“What did you used to do?”

“I interned at a tech company right out of high school. I did secretarial and receptionist work for them.”

“Did you like it?”

I think back on the few years I spent there; it seems like a lifetime ago. “I really did. It’s almost like it was part of another life, and I guess it was.”

We check out and head out to the car, and Amber waves at Carl and Van as we put our bags in the trunk. “Are you nervous for tonight?”

“I am, but I also feel like I can help in this way. I know it’s been a minute, but this is kind of what I used to do. If I can just not let my fear rule me, I’m hoping it will all come back to me, and I’ll be able to get the information the pack needs.”

“For what it’s worth, we’re really thankful you’re doing this. We know you don’t have to. Cade really doesn’t want you to have to do it, but he knows we need this.”

“Why doesn’t Cade want me to do it?” I ask.

“Because he doesn’t want to ruin his friendship with Mav.”

I glance over at her and frown. “What do you mean?”

She gives me a surprised look. “Mav has made no bones about the fact that he doesn’t want you doing this. I thought he was going to go at it last night with Cade.” She shakes her head. “They don’t fight often, if ever. I mean, Mav is Mav; but it doesn’t usually bother Cade. He knows why he is the way he is. But this...I don’t know.”

Her words are a surprise to me. “He doesn’t even pay any attention to me, so it kind of surprises me that you’re saying this.”

She sighs. “Mav is Mav, but don’t give up on him.” I don’t say anything, and she changes the subject as we drive back to the house. “Why don’t you come to my apartment at two, and I can help you get ready for tonight.”

“Sounds good. Thanks.”

I make my way up to my room and knock on Ava’s door. “Hey, you got a minute?”

“Come in.” I fill her in on everything that’s going down tonight. “Are you sure you’re the right person for the job?”

“Did you want to do it?” I ask.

She scoffs. “No.”

“Then I’m the only other option; I’m the only non-shifter. I’ll be fine. I’ve had experience with business meetings like this.”

She lifts surprised eyes to mine. “Really?”

“I used to work for a tech start-up. I would do business meetings like this in board meetings and at lunches and dinners. So, at least I have a little experience.”

She gives me an assessing look. We don’t talk about our pasts. Ever. “All right. Well, just be careful.”

I smile. That’s as close to anI love youfrom Ava as it’s going to get. “Thanks. I will. Did you eat yet? Want to grab lunch with me?”

She agrees and we make our way downstairs. Sabrina and Sara end up joining us, and so do Jacob and Daniel. Our table is loud and crazy, but I don’t mind it. It reminds me of being back in the Northwoods Pack. Ava escapes as soon as she can, but I spend a few more minutes with my new friends, listening to Jacob tell yet another crazy story. I don’t know if any of his stories are actually true, but they’re fun to listen to. When it gets close to one, I excuse myself. I need to be at Amber’s room by two, and I have two shifters to check on that Cade told me were starting to have symptoms. “Thanks everybody,” I say, standing up from the table.

“Are you leaving?” Sabrina asks in a sad voice.

“Yes. I have two shifters I need to check on.”

Jacob stands up. “I’ll walk you there.”

---